Limited Incision Rhytidectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A limited incision rhytidectomy is a face lift that uses fewer, smaller incisions than a regular face lift. It may also be called a mini face lift. The goal of this surgery is to remove signs of aging. It can tighten the skin and the underlying tissues of your face and neck.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your surgery:
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.
- Tell your surgeon about all the medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine before surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Your surgeon may take pictures of your face and neck to help plan your surgery. You may need blood tests before your surgery. Talk to your surgeon about these and other tests you may need. Write down the date, time, and location of each test.
The night before your surgery:
You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
The day of your surgery:
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
- Healthcare providers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. You may be given liquids or medicine through the IV.
- An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You may need medicine to keep you asleep or numb an area of your body during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you will also be given sedation to keep you relaxed and sleepy. Small incisions will be made in front of your ears, hairline, and lower jawbone. A small incision will also be made near the outer edge of your eyes.
- Your surgeon will pull your skin and tissues upwards to lift sagging cheeks and brows. He or she will pull up the extra skin on your neck and chin. Medical glue may be applied over the tissue in your cheeks and forehead. This may add fullness to the area and help prevent bruising. A gel-like filler also may be used to add fullness to your face. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches and cover them with bandages.
After your surgery:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You have a fever.
- You get a cold or the flu.
- You have questions or concerns about your surgery.
Risks
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may not be happy with the results of your face lift. You may have scars or hair loss. Your face may swell or parts of your face may droop. You may have large bruises caused by bleeding in your face and neck. These bruises can cause tissue in your face and neck to be damaged. You may have pain in your jaw, which may make it hard for you to open your mouth. You may have nerve damage that causes parts of your face or neck to be weak or numb. You may need another surgery to fix these problems.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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